Youth Music Network
Youth Music invests in music programmes for children and young people up to the age of 25, with a focus on supporting organisations to become more diverse and inclusive. They use music as a tool to support musical, personal, and social development and work with all age groups, from babies and families to young adults.
Eligible Organisations
Applications are open to legally constituted not-for-profit organisations or constituted community groups that have been established for at least one year and are based in England. Schools may also apply, but only for non-curriculum projects that demonstrate innovative partnership working, provide benefits to the wider community, and include activities that take place outside school hours. The Youth Music Network sets out a number of eligibility criteria on their website. Find out more about eligibility on their website.
Suitable Projects
The projects funded by the Youth Music Network should aim to break down barriers to music-making and music-making activities for children and young people, helping them to develop musically, personally, and socially. Projects should go beyond the standard music curriculum, demonstrating wider benefits through innovative partnerships, community engagement, and extracurricular music-making opportunities delivered outside school hours.
The project must meet one of the following themes:
- Early years
- Disabled, deaf and neurodivergent young people
- Youth justice system
- Young people facing barriers
- Young adults
- Organisations and the workforce
Application Process
Applications for the Trailblazer Fund and Catalyser Fund must be submitted online through the Youth Music Grants Portal. Guidance documents and application questions can be downloaded in advance to draft offline.
Important Dates
Trailblazer Fund Upcoming Dates:
- Round 12 for projects starting September–November 2026:
- Opens 13 March 2026
- Deadline 10 April 2026, 5pm
- Notification 7 August 2026
- Round 13 for projects starting January–March 2027:
- Opens 31 July 2026
- Deadline 28 August 2026, 5pm
- Notification 11 December 2026
- Round 14 for projects starting April–June 2027:
- Opens 23 October 2026
- Deadline 20 November 2026, 5pm
- Notification 19 March 2027,
Catalyser Fund Dates:
- Round 6 for programmes starting October–December 2026:
- Opens 20 February 2026 for Expressions of Interest
- EOIs Deadline 20 March 2026
- Notification 8 May 2026
- Full Application Deadline 29 May 2026
- Full Application Notification 21 August 2026
Funding Range
The Trailblazer Fund offers £2,000 – £30,000 for projects trialling new work, sustaining grassroots programmes, or disrupting the status quo. The Catalyser Fund offers £30,001 – £300,000 for organisations sustaining, scaling up, or creating change in sector practice.
